235 replies to this topic

[rich_959]

 

 

All good. I can definitely recommend this headliner, the quality is great and it is easy to fit. It came from Optimise Automotive if anyone is interested. There are sunvisors trimmed in the same soft material to fit as well.

 

Cheers

Ben

That's good to know, I got some samples from them for when the day comes so useful to know it's a good quality product!

 

 

Likewise, I had Optimise earmarked for headlining and their foam-backed carpet when the time comes. Lining looks good!

[MikeRotherham]

Presumably you made the brake pipes Ben. What type of tubing with the greenish colour? They look almost look like genuine oem ones.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 02 October 2019 - 09:13 PM.

[Ben_O]

Presumably you made the brake pipes Ben. What type of tubing with the greenish colour? They look almost look like genuine oem ones.

Hi Mike.
They are actually the original brake pipes. All I did with them was give them a wipe over and refit them.
Cheers
Ben

Edited by Ben_O, 03 October 2019 - 04:40 PM.

[Ben Rose]

I will need a headliner for mine too so its great to know.  Awesome work Ben.

[Ben_O]

I have now fitted the glass

 

 

 

 

 

And the Cooper S works conversion had turned up

 

 

 

didn't know they did an A series Montego...

 

Cheers

Ben

[MikeRotherham]

I always thought the A series engined Montego was a bit of an oddity. I wonder what the performance was like, 1275cc lugging that body about.

[the.stroker]

I saw this in the flesh yesterday, this is a high end build and the attention to detail is simply breathtaking.

[Vinay-RS]

What does the works conversion include (in terms of trim and engine upgrades) and what are the performance gains of it? 

[Ben_O]

What does the works conversion include (in terms of trim and engine upgrades) and what are the performance gains of it?

Taken from minisport website.

John Cooper conversions are renown the world over for quality and reliability. Our retro conversions are available for all Cooper models from 1997 onwards. All conversions are thoroughly tried and tested and will enhance the Mini Cooper driving experience. This engine kit increases power output to 85bhp and available as a supply and fit kit only. This kit includes larger valve, ported S stage cylinder head, high performance exhaust, improved fuelling and induction plus many more features.

Mini Road (ST3) 1275 MPI Cylinder Head - Finished in Cooper Blue
1.5:1 High lift roller tip rockers - finished in red with Cooper logo and John Cooper Signature
High Pressure Fuel Boost Valve
Maniflow LCB Exhaust Manifold - finished in Black
Maniflow Twin Silencer Side Exit Twin Upswept Exhaust system - finished in Black with Stainless Tail Finishers
K & N Cold Air Induction kit
High Power NGK Spark plugs
Aluminium Alloy Rocker Cover with Cooper Engineered Decal
Chrome Rocker Cover Cap with John Cooper signature
Chrome Rocker Cover T bars
Cooper oil cooler kit
Stainless Steel Braided Oil Cooler Pipes
Cooper Conversion Cross-member plate - uniquely numbered to your conversion
Cooper S Rear Quarter and Boot Decal supplied in either Black or White to match your Cooper.
Official Conversion Certificate - signed by Mike Cooper
Cooper Leather Key ring
John Cooper Rear Window Decal
Cooper Pin Badge
Cooper Silver Wheel Centre Cap Decals
Complete fitting kit

[Indy495]

That is stunning, I am embarrassed to even look at my son and I’s efforts. Well done.

[Ben_O]

I have started work on the dashboard now.

 

The original plan was to use an aftermarket dash for this car which I have but when it came to assembling it, it was found that I would have to add provisions for the headlamp height adjuster switch and the alarm LED and there were also no provisions in the cluster fascia for the SRS lamp.

These could have been added but the main issue was the fact that you need to trim parts off of the instrument cluster which we were not keen on doing. There was also mention in the instructions about packing the cluster out to stop it rattling.

It all seemed a bit rubbish so i'm now going to modify the original walnut item.

 

Once I had stripped off the veneer, I had extra holes added for the AUX gauges 

 

 

 

And then after a long session of prime - flat - prime - flat etc etc we have a beautifully smooth substrate in which to paint.

 

 

It will soon be painted silver to match the steering wheel and interior trim.

 

In other news, I cleaned up the engine

 

 

And then after removing the head and giving it a spruce up, I dropped it in

 

 

I had planned to fit the head but the head gasket sent with the kit had been squashed in the box and had become damaged so a replacement is being sorted out.

 

Cheers

Ben

[cooperd70]

Great work and photos Ben (as always) ?

Have never known what that line of chars (letters and numbers) on the very top of the block on the left hand side above the oil filter mean. You know Ben?

Another build to look forward to seeing completed ??

[Ben_O]

Cheers!
The number on the engine could well be a casting number?
Other that That, I'm not sure..

Cheers
Ben

[FlyingScot]

Yup block casting number LCF...

FS

[tankertanker]

Absolutely fab totally top mini master